Nong Khai Grand Hotel (Any Better Options)

[Stekmer]

I'm planning a trip to Nong Khai for 2 or 3 days in mid March 2011 and am looking at the 'Nongkhai Grand Hotel'.

It seems to get mixed reviews and there are statements on some Internet booking web sites that the pool has been closed since January 2010 for renovations.

Some reviews say the hotel is run down and in need of a total make over - but then I've stayed in places with similar reviews and found them quite acceptable. All in the expectations for the price perhaps.

Has anyone stayed in the Nongkhai Grand Hotel recently and/or know about what is happening with the pool or other renovations? (I haven't been able to find the hotels web site or direct contact details - just booking web sites).

Or - are there better options for a downtown hotel that is within 10 to 15 minutes walk of the river?

My plan was to get there by train from Bangkok, spend a few days in Vientiane, back to Nong Khai and then to Udon Thani for a morning AirAsia flight back to Bangkok.

I'm assuming that the trip from Nong Khai to Udon Thani airport for the morning flight (around 0830 I think) is a viable option??

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

:jap:

Edited November 12, 2010 by Stekmer

[Prajak]

I can not tell you about the pool in the Grand Hotel; I live in NK and I swim in the pool of the hotel "west" of town near the river. I ask the name tomorrow.

There is a new hotel in the same street where the Tha Sadeth Bar is, Carstens place, but between thanon Meechai and thanon Prajak, at the western side of the road. Check the name for you tomorrow. New, no elevators, 4 high, no pool, but clean. Prices below 1,000 baht.

If for just one night there is a room available in a small place at the rim Khong close to Rolf and Kan's place near the Tha Sadet Market. 1,000 B per night, no breakfast but that is available in Carsten's place at the river or in the street nearby.

If your flight goes 08.30 it will be hard to find public transport. Contact Carsten for a private taxi or look around in town and find an airport service, they pick you up in your hotel of guesthouse.

[Prajak]

The new hotel is called Huan Lai, in Thai

โรงแรม หวน-ลาย 823 ถนนบรรเทงจิต

042 413596-7 www.huanlaihotel.com

The hotel with the pool is, I think, Royal Mehkong, 4 km west of town.

[Prajak]

The new hotel is called Huan Lai, in Thai

โรงแรม หวน-ลาย 823 ถนนบรรเทงจิต

042 413596-7 www.huanlaihotel.com

The hotel with the pool is, I think, Royal Mehkong, 4 km west of town.

[Prajak]

Their website is also in English !

The hotel with the pool indeed is ... http://www.royalmekong.com/

Succes !

[Prajak]

Their website is also in English !

The hotel with the pool indeed is ... http://www.royalmekong.com/

Succes !

[Stekmer]

Thank you Prajak - very helpful :-)

I'll check the Huanlai Hotel.

The pool is not so important I guess - compared to a central location and close to the river.

Any idea what a car or travel service to Udon Thani airport might cost?

Thanks again - much appreciated

:jap:

[Prajak]

A private car, a farang driver, will be about 800/900 baht. Ask the German guy Carsten in the Tha Sadeth bar, in the same street as Huan Lai, but close to the river. He is a travel agent too.

[Dellboy218]

Sorry to put a damper on things but The wife and I stayed at the Royal last year and unless they have seriously renovated.............I had a suite (a 1 room suite?) overlooking the bridge. The alleyway to the room stank, the carpets had never been cleaned, the alley windows were open and with the humidity............The room position was good but everything in it was 'well worn, busted or falling off'. They did fix the offending busted item quickly I have to admit. It might have been Royal once but from what I had seen it was a tired old lady on the run down.

[Prajak]

Sorry to read this Bellboy. The hotels in Nongkhai are NOT overcrowded and one of the big hotels is closed for years. The Grant still is an option. For short stay there are good small hotels in heart of town or take just a good room and all services you take in the streets. For breakfast and lunch, also Thai food, there are good farang restaurants in centre of town.

[jazzbo]

wrong Nong Khai topic... but same OP ...

Edited November 27, 2010 by jazzbo